Welcome, welcome, welcome! If you're reading this Guide then you're doing exactly what we intended it to be here for. So go ahead and read through this, then let us know if you have any questions in the Q&A! Just don't forget to read the Rules as well. heart
As our members enter the Guild, we realize that a good majority of them haven't had the experience of being in something so large-minded. So! For starters, the first thing we would like you to do is to build a profile. At the very top of the list of subforums in Love's Orchard, there is one called "☼ Pending Profiles". This is where you will begin your very first profile. Within said subforum, at the very top yet again, there is a forum labeled "ღ Profile Skeleton". A coding, or profile skeleton, is provided beneath to help Guide you along. Though we require for you to fill out almost every part (except for the optional areas of course), you are more than welcome to insert extra information beneath spoilers or at the very bottom under "Extra". This profile is made for you to complete. Simply copy this coding into a new forum in Pending Profiles with the subject being your characters name. You're more than welcome to any species of any kind (so long as we know of their existence); i.e. Vampires, Werewolves, Nymphs, Dryads, Elementals, etc. We do ask you to keep your powers in mind when you're choosing a species. So for instance, please do not give a Water Elemental the ability to control grass, etc. You are allowed a total of six characters to begin with.
Profiles will be kept on file for a completion period of one month before they are discarded into the Abandoned Orchard Profiles. You are welcome to retrieve yours from said area, but please refrain from using other people's profiles at your discretion without permission. As well, when your character is complete, you must wait for myself or a crew member to go over the profile with you. This can take a few days at time - so the only thing we ask is not to quote us constantly. Don't worry! We'll get to you as soon as we can, we promise. Once it shows up either here or here (don't worry, we'll quote you), you may then begin roleplaying! With your acceptance, you will receive a sticker that we quote you beneath and a housing area for you to create on your own. There are five in total - each with their own coding to help you complete your home. You may stray slightly away from this coding as long as you keep the same amount of rooms. For us to decide on where your character is going to belong, we glance over their biography, personality, and physical being. (AKA: We see how much dough they might have in the bank! If it they were robbed, if they're a dealer, maybe they're the child of a CEO, etc.)
The housing forums are as follows - in order of cheapest to most expensive:
Finally, we request that you give us time to glance over your profiles and to be patient with us! It will take a "buffer period" of anywhere from one to five days for someone to reach your profile. So please do not PM, DM, or mention in the Discord that your profile is complete as soon as you complete it - we've gotten the quotes and check the pending profiles subforum pretty much daily. And if you see you have a lot of "errors" (that we point out), trust us, it's not anything to do with you specifically. In our eyes, the character may be overpowered or doesn't make too much sense. This is a romance Guild, remember that!
Posted: Tue Apr 26, 2016 9:56 am
םαч cнαиɢєs / тιмє sкιρs
Day changes are something that happen rather "often" in the Guild. I try my very best to keep them around the same time - though they can always be extended for events or if myself or the Crew are busy in real life outside of Gaia. Basically, we try to keep everyone around the same page. There's plenty of time for roleplay, and as well, we also have time jumps in between roleplay weeks. Our day change system is a biweekly process. Every other week on Monday, every forum is either posted in or edited to be updated to the most current day. You'll have two weeks in real life for one completed day in roleplay. It will look a little something like this:
First Week: - Monday through Sunday: Roughly morning to noon in roleplay time.
Second Week: - Monday through Sunday: Roughly noon to late night in roleplay time.
Day Change (Repeat).
However, if the day change is ever extended, I will certainly let out an announcement to let the members know that such will be done. Which actually brings me to my next subject... Day change announcements! With every day change, there will be an announcement given that will include various information over that certain day. This is so everyone will be on the same page in what weather we're in, day of the week we're on, etc. This also helps in knowing how far along your character is in development ever since it's been accepted. Although, remember that time moves faster for us in real life than it does in roleplay! What may feel like months is actually only a week or two. Here are what our announcements include:
- Time and Date (Including Day Of The Week) - Low and High Temperature - Forecast - Sky Clarity and Moon Phase - Any Changes Throughout The Day (Cloudy to Rainy, etc.) - The Next Day Change Date
After each roleplay week, we'll have a two week time skip. This will literally be put implemented into the day change posts. So don't worry, you more than likely won't miss it if you're looking at the announcements and forums; which I would sure hope you were when you were posting. Ha! In other words, we'll play out a week, then skip two weeks, rinse and repeat.
Yummy Galaxxy
Captain
Divine Seeker
Offline
Yummy Galaxxy
Captain
Divine Seeker
Offline
Posted: Tue Apr 26, 2016 10:14 am
мιsc. ιиғσямαтισи
Here are a few things we may have missed that you might be wondering about before we move on to the main reason you're here!
Once your character is approved, you're welcome to post in any job application area you like so long as your character fits the requirements. Don't worry, the only real requirement we ever need are the age limits. We want to be a little realistic here! Of course not all jobs are going to be available to people. As for attending your job, we only ask that you keep it somewhat realistic. If you honestly aren't using your job, then PM or quote one of us and let us know! You never know who might be interested in taking over it instead of you. It's typical for us to forget when to send out an announcement for when your character gets paid... So it's safe to say they do once the month itself changes. Each character, however, begins with an assumed $1,000.
This is pretty simple and can be used at anyone's leisure. Though we don't have a quoting method - mainly because we'd like for you to come up with your own since it's your character -, members may use this at their discretion. If you decide to keep a journal, then great! If not, then great! Of course, if you're confused on how it looks, perhaps it would be best to glance over a few of the others and see exactly what's going on. This can be used for journaling or as a diary, keeping track of your characters likes and dislikes, relationships with others that they've grown fond of or have an extreme hatred for, etc. It is literally whatever you want to make it out to be and is in no way, shape, or form required by us.
As provided by the Guild, the posting format area will be a safe haven to keep your own formats for characters - specifically the code for the originals. If you don't feel comfortable putting those here, then you absolutely do not have to. It's really just for convenience since your character is already put here in the first place! All we ask is that you be extremely respectful of other people's formats and do not steal their creation. If you're inspired to do something different, then that's awesome! If you're having a little trouble, I'm sure someone can help you out. You can also scrounge around the forums of Gaia and have someone make something for you. You can get a pretty basic one for cheap around the area. 3nodding Or even ask the person you're looking at if you can use a part of their posting format. Just remember that if they say no, then that meas no. A lot of people put a lot of time and effort into their creations. However, you will need one! Every character is required to have a posting format that includes a name and character picture. As for the signature area, this I'm hoping you'll be involved in! To spread the Guild of Love's Orchard, we have a few signatures set up that you can use! We sure hope you do. Some of our loveliest members have made these.
Charmblr, as you'll notice from the link above if you click it, is a social media page for your characters. It is seen as a sort of combination of Facebook, Tumblr, Twitter, etc. There's really nothing to it! Multiple codes are provided beneath the spoilers for you to choose from and you are allowed one account per character. They're free to share videos, photos, links, etc. as long as they agree with Gaia's ToS. It's just something to have fun with! And of course, it's completely optional. If you'd rather read or skip it altogether, you're more than welcome to! Though I can't say I don't recommend it for everyone. heart
Last but not least, the events. Typically when we have an event coming, you'll see small hints in the day change announcements or in the OOC. We try our best to come up with something creative that everyone can attend - though occasionally they can be small and simple. The majority of the time? It depends on you for attendance! As an event is opened, the forum can be clicked on and read through. However, once it's locked, that means the event is over and we must move on.
Yes! At long last, Love's Orchard has a Discord service as of December 2018. All we require for you is to follow the guild rules and let us know who you are (your Gaia username) so we can keep track of who is and isn't in the Discord. Just click on the link "LO Lounge" above to join! yum_puddi
Posted: Tue May 10, 2016 10:39 am
тнє иαиσα ғяυιт & σвтαιиιиɢ ιт
And now, finally, we have moved on to the main event of our Guild. The legendary Nanoa fruit!
Though many-a-people come to Soleil City - a beach town coasted on what seems to be the Western side of America, possibly over the edge of California - the legendary and mysterious fruit is in fact not located in the area. Across a small expansion of clear blue ocean, there seems to be a peak of an island, showered in greenery and festivities, that hides off around fifteen to twenty minutes by ferry. It is uninhabited permanently, but many Soleilians, if you will, ride the boat to the shore of the land in order to complete, or at least attempt, the challenge of obtaining the fruit of souls. But in order to get there...
You must begin the heart wrenching stair climb from the beach onto the stony path. The closer you get to the arched doorway, the more moss and grass have cracked their ways through the cement. There's one last warning sign before the entrance to the Jungle Of Shattered Hearts:
BEWARE. Those who exit may lack the courage and desire they may have reflected when entering. Only those who are faithful and valiant of heart should dare test the trials and tribulations of this Jungle.
Should you believe the couple before this sign is strong and steady to take the challenges of this jungle, then you shall proceed to the first level. Mykronos only hopes you may both partake of the legendary fruit. Shall the Gods grace your arrival to the Orchard.
And so, you are now free to enter the next stairway. Each flight of steps leads your characters to a challenge that you will need to complete in order for the next stair to open to you both. The instructions are written on a stone pedestal beside a coinciding statue reflecting the task; the higher obstacles coated in moss and dirt - untouched by those who hardly come up the jungle. Should you fail in completing the given challenge, the stairwell will become blocked off with a rolling, vertical stone platform - a giant mural of what looks to be a woman peering down into the palm of her hand, orbs hovering gracefully above and below it. Couples are more than welcome to try the task again and again, but until the correct answer or view is given (between you and the other user), then the continuing elevation will be blocked off. Each area is out of view from each other due to the hefty brush of the jungle and the steady incline between each one. So don't be surprised if you're tired by the end of the trip if you make it up there!
First Level:
The Trust Fall -- Take a moment to think of just flexibility, love, and trust.
The easiest and simplest of all five, the trust fall begins the long and winding journey to the gates of Love's Orchard. Beside the stone statues enveloped in a winding kiss there is a stone podium inscribed with directions.
"Many fears will plague a relationship. But the first to come across is the physical trust in which sexual attraction and utter consent is born. A lack of trust will destroy the connection from the core to the outer walls until it disintegrates to dust. And so, should your goal be the fruit of souls, we admire the beginnings of your strength and courage. One of you must climb the few stone steps directed to the right of this podium and turn your back to your partner. Partner, stand a foot or so in front of them and hold out your arms. The person on the steps must fall back against you without hesitation and prove their trust in you; a trust fall. Repeat the process in reverse and the pathway shall open."
Second Level:
The First Meeting -- Here comes a thought.
Thus begins the possible emotional turmoil of your voyage. The second of the five, there are two stone statues pressed palm to palm whilst settled aside each other. There is another podium with instructions.
"Though physical trust became an effortless goal, now begins the deeper connection between you both. Recall, then, your first impression of your partner. Describe to them in detail what you remember, the first thing you noticed, the first things you heard - both mentally and physically; whether it be bad or not. This will then prove your ability to listen, your ability to remember fond memories of the other, and your ability to render what may have been useless at the time. Use it for good. Use it for your heart. And use it for the eternal love you search for at the top of this Jungle. For once you enter the Orchard, very few things along the line will stop you from continuing on or separating."
Third Level:
Never Have I Ever -- That might alarm you...
If you're reading this, then we assume you've made it past the beginning two podiums. This one proceeds to a game. An angel presses the back of her hand to her chest, solemnly swearing.
"If you've come this far, you've begun to open the mentality of trust to the person you want to bestow your heart on. Very few things may shock you physically but... That isn't to say you know them completely. So, we ask that you both open your palms, stretch your fingers out, and hold up all of your current fingers. There are questions you must ask the other; personal questions only they would be able to answer through the transfer of possible embarrassment. Begin the countdown with questions from each of you until you both run out of fingers to count on. The key to this game is to ask the other embarrassing questions that will most likely surprise you in the end and distract you from your partner's Godly essence you've created for them. The game of: Never Have I Ever."
Fourth Level:
The Destruction -- What someone said.
And so begins the absolute destruction of your emotional reign. We only wish you luck at this point. There stands a statue desperately attempting to explain something in silence to us whilst the other narrows their shoulders away.
"The last of your secrets shall be destroyed in the two final tests should you decide to continue on your journey. Destruction, at the very least, to your heart if not your very soul. Take a seat or stand - whichever you prefer - and take your beloved ones hands into yours. Give your eye contact to show your truths; for lies will not suffice the woman of the door nor the heart of the city. You must, for this challenge, give your hardest memory between you two. The pain, the mental stress, the need to fix what had been broken, the anger, the hatred, anything and everything that comes to mind alongside this remembrance. Converse upon the topic until you are both satisfied with the answers. Once again, the woman will not move if either of you do not feel satisfaction."
Fifth Level:
My Downfall -- And how it harmed you.
Finally, as you finish the last stair of your ascent towards Love's Orchard, the final trial makes itself apparent. Before the participants sit two extended statues, their arms settled over each other's shoulder blades in a distant cling of eternal sorrow.
"At last the final act of devastation lays before you. Pass this trial and all will be revealed within the next few moments. Fail... And you may fear your lack of return to this very stone. For this trial and tribulation, you must converse on your darkest memory within your mortal - or immortal - life. Secrets devoid of the other's presence; whether they pertain to your past, your possible future, or the present as you set across your loved one. The establishment of minor or major stress that haunts your life with its eternal grappling. Should your partner accept you even then, you may surpass the damnation of this test and continue on to the fruit of souls; the legendary Nanoa of which will tell you the answer to your search. With all secrets clarified, we wish you the greatest of luck... And hope that the goal will not destroy your life."
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
ℓσvє's σяcнαяם
Congratulations! Rejoice! But don't blow those celebration poppers quite yet.
By now you and your partner have made it through the five stages of the Jungle of Shattered Hearts; where the name can now plainly be seen. Not many people walk away unscathed whether it be emotionally, mentally, or physically. And now... As you climb the last latch of stairs, the jungle suddenly begins to clear and a cloak of golden gates is revealed from beyond the brush. There is one last pedestal with a written inscription:
"Lay your hand upon each threshold, one from you each. Your truth, your strength, your forgiveness, and your love shall grant you passage."
Now the last trial - even easier than the trust fall. Finding the fruit of souls - The Nanoa! It's star shaped with a single green leaf perched upon the top point. If you must scale a tree, then do so, but pluck it away from its branch. Once you nab the fruit, you must eat it together. You may not split it apart. You may not pull chunks. And, most importantly, you may not take it off of the island; it will only disintegrate as soon as your bodies leave the orchard. You have to eat it together. Mouth to mouth. And you have to eat the whole thing.
Every. Last. Bite.
One of two things will happen depending on what you, the users, choose to put your characters through. If you aren't soul mates, nothing will happen. There will be no signs that the fruit ever existed. Only silence. However, if you are... There will be a shuddering, shimmering orb of bright light that lifts between the two. Like a vision, it will portray a small 10 second interval of the future between them both. This may amount to anything; but it will be something so astounding that only shows the true essence of the two being soul mates; a wedding, a ring, a move-in, a child, etc. Anything.
And thus... You have completed the journey of Love's Orchard. Begin your descension back into Mykronos and do with the information what you will.
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Yes! At long last, Love's Orchard has a Discord service as of December 2018. All we require for you is to follow the guild rules and let us know who you are (your Gaia username) so we can keep track of who is and isn't in the Discord. Just click on the link "LO Lounge" above to join! 
